In a sense, episode 2 picks up with what is previously established or hinted at, and it executes with grace.
The sub-plots are simple and they play out predictably, but the acting, the overall atmosphere, and the hints
that continue to be dropped here and there all hold my interest tight.
Last episode, Lou drew up a business plan without discussing about it to Amy (and presumably Jack, too),
even though it's evident that Amy is essentially the heart of Heartland. This episode opens with Lou continuing
to be sneaky, and trying to free up stable space by sending Mrs. Roche's horse, Swallow, back prematurely
on the basis of Amy saying he was doing fine. An honest mistake on her part, but still.
Amy and Ty continue to be amusing when they're around each other. Sometimes their conversations are
somewhat normal, sometimes Ty's moody as hell (which annoys Amy), and sometimes Amy's rather
insensitive herself (which annoys Ty). The two seem to make up quick enough every time, but it's only
episode 2, and they haven't really had any serious fights yet.
Later on, Mrs. Roche comes over to burn the two sisters for Lou's haste, even though her conclusion about
Heartland no longer being what it used to is equally hasty. Val (Ashley's mother, and the owner of Briar Ridge Stables - Heartland's competition) quickly begins spreading nasty rumours about Amy's incompetence and Heartland's deteriorating integrity. As if their financial problems weren't bad enough, Heartland was now
losing valuable clients to Val. In the restaurant/cafe ran by Soraya and her mother, Val continues her PR duties
by trying to recruit Nick ("the hottest jumper on the circuit") as a client.
Mrs. Roche ends up realizing that Val's services are underwhelming and with a little PR from Jack, she decides
to give Heartland a second chance. Being the gentleman that he is, Jack gives Val a kind warning to mind her
own business, before making his leave with an awesome quote: "it's kind of difficult to sling mud and keep
your own hands clean."
Ty continues be an observer in the presence of more than one of the Flemings, doing his work quietly
and cracking a smile when appropriate. When Amy's around, he becomes a bit more nosy, offering his own
subtle advice in the hopes that things will work out for the best. It's no secret now that he's interested in Amy.
No guy would just drive off into the forest to build a girl a circuit out of logs, without being into the girl. Why
he was even on probation in the first place really leaves me curious, because as far as I can see, he has a big
heart.
In the end, and with the help of Ty, Spartan overcomes his fear of going on trailers, which effectively allows
Amy to go to an actual circuit to train for jumping competitions again. Still, that doesn't stop her from
going out to appreciate the circuit that Ty made out of love.
Nick opts to seek Amy's horse behavioural treatment services on Scott the vet's recommendation, so it's good
to see that the reprocussions of Lou's mistakes won't linger much longer. Jack also decided on officially
taking over Marion's responsibility of looking over Ty on his probation period. Good thing too, because he's
integral to Heartland being as good as it has been. |
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